Duluth Public Schools ISD709 Updates

April 1, 2020 4:00PM:

Distance Learning/Academic Content:

Orientation curriculum packets will continue to be available through Google Classroom, at school sites or via a hub through Friday, April 3. New packets will be available starting Monday April 13.

Third Quarter Extended: When school closure was announced, we were near the end of the third quarter grading period. For this reason, third quarter has been extended to allow students to request, complete and turn in outstanding work through Friday April 17. Third quarter academic content, including enrichment activities, will be available on Google Classroom starting Thursday April 2. Families without access to Google Classroom can contact their teacher to request a paper copy of assignments and pick them up at their school or one of the following locations/times, see complete list.

Distance Learning Web Page

Free School-Age Child Care Available to Children of Tier 1 Critical Workers

As an Executive order by Governor Walz, all Minnesota K-12 schools will be closed through May 4, 2020.

During the closure and in response to this order, we are offering free school-aged (4-12 yrs) child care to children of Tier 1 critical workers that are currently attending Duluth Public Schools ISD709 or Stella Maris. Please review the list, it has been updated to include the most recent information from the state. We will provide programming to families who fit the mandatory order criteria.

The program runs Monday-Friday from 6:30AM to 6:00PM at Lester Park, Congdon, Lowell and Laura MacArthur Elementary Schools.

ISD 709 is following Minnesota Department of Health guidance for social distancing practices. Per guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, children and childcare staff will be screened each day before entering our emergency childcare centers.

In order to best support the health and safety of children, we encourage families to let us know, in advance, if they would like to take advantage of child care. It helps us ensure proper staffing in order to follow MDH guidelines.

For more information and to enroll, please contact Mark Connor at 218-336-8760 x6 or mark.connor@isd709.org.

Spring Recess April 6 - 10: Distance Learning, Free Breakfast/Lunch service and Emergency Childcare will pause during the scheduled spring recess April 6 - 10. All will resume Monday April 13.

March 31, 2020 5:15PM:

Distance Learning/Paper Packets Pickup This Week: Paper curriculum packets are for families without access to Google Classroom. For the week of March 30 – April 3, families who need hard copy can pick up a packet with distance learning orientation information Wed, Thursday or Friday at their school or one of the following locations/times, see complete list. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or your school if you have questions.

Playgrounds Closed: All Duluth Public School playground equipment (features/structures) are closed until further notice in an effort to help prevent transmission of COVID-19. Outdoor play in open field areas is still permitted.

Spring Recess April 6 - 10: Distance Learning, Free Breakfast/Lunch service and Emergency Childcare will pause during the scheduled spring recess April 6 - 10. All will resume Monday April 13.

March 29, 2020 2:30PM:

Message from Bill Gronseth, Superintendent:

Dear ISD 709 Families,

Distance Learning starts Monday, March 30.

Administrators, principals, teachers, curriculum specialists and many others have been working around the clock to prepare. They’re ready to partner with students and families to continue education during school closure. We’re excited to get started. You’ll find links to distance learning information on your school website home page and at ISD709.org or go directly to www.ISD709.org/updates/learning-center.

This week includes orientation to distance learning and lessons focused on social emotional skills . Your students will receive instruction on how distance learning works and how to use distance learning tools. You can access tutorials on the distance learning page of the website. There’ll be a focus on social emotional skills and activities designed to support healthy ways to manage anxiety, fear, and stress. You can expect that teachers will be connecting with you in a variety of ways.

If you have internet access but no device for your student, you can call your child’s school this week and they’ll help you to get a chromebook on loan.

PreK teachers will be testing Class Dojo with families this week.

For elementary students, your child’s Google Classroom login information will be mailed home.

Secondary students who are enrolled in PSEO or CITS courses in addition to their regular courses will follow the plans for their cooperating Universities, most of which also begin this week.

When school closure was announced, we were near the end of the third quarter grading period. For this reason, third quarter has been extended to allow students to request, complete and turn in outstanding work through Friday April 17.

Principals and teachers are communicating with families, too, so please feel free to check with your school for more detailed information or if you have questions.

One more reminder - free breakfast and lunch is available for Duluth students. Some changes to times and locations begin Monday March 30. Check the schedule for your neighborhood at ISD709.org/updates/free-breakfast-lunch. Links are also posted on our district Facebook and Twitter pages.

We appreciate the support of our staff, students and families during this time, thank you and be well.

Kindest Regards,

Bill Gronseth, Superintendent

Duluth Public Schools

Update Center

School closure and coronavirus information

Important Links

Concern or question?

Resources: MN Department of Health

Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources: St. Louis County Health Department